Medminute (2003)
January
New Medicines Mean More Options for Treating Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a chronic disease that can require treatment for many years, even for a lifetime. While no cure currently exists, a number of promising new medicines have given physicians more options for controlling the condition until a cure can be found.
Friday, January 3, 2003
Using Meditation to Control High Blood Pressure
Fifty million Americans have high blood pressure, and daily stress can send levels even higher. The "Calm Down" study is testing whether meditation and relaxation techniques can lower blood pressure by lowering stress.
Friday, January 10, 2003
Support Groups Help New Moms Experiencing Postpartum Depression
Symptoms of anxiety and depression can affect many mothers in the weeks after delivery. Sharing experiences with other new mothers in a postpartum support program can be helpful during this difficult time.
Friday, January 17, 2003
New Tools Help Target Tumors and Protect Surrounding Tissue
New software and improved imaging technology provide more accurate delivery of radiation to tumors in patients with lung cancer. These tools also help protect healthy tissue from incidental radiation damage.
Friday, January 24, 2003
Alzheimer's: "Advances and Challenges"
The 17th annual Bryan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center Conference will provide an opportunity for families and health professionals to learn the latest developments in research and treatment.
Friday, January 31, 2003
February
Vampire Bats and Stroke Treatment
A study on animal models suggests that an ingredient in vampire bat saliva might someday help in treating stroke victims. But an expert cautions that its premature to say whether the treatment would be safe and effective for humans
Friday, February 7, 2003
Making the Mammogram Decision
After years of controversy, medical experts now agree that annual mammograms are beneficial for women over age 50, as a valuable tool in detecting breast cancer.
Friday, February 14, 2003
A 'Fresh Start' Following Cancer Diagnosis
A diagnosis of breast or prostate cancer is a serious blow.
Friday, February 21, 2003
"Bladder Pacemaker" Helpful in Tough Incontinence Cases
Medications and exercise help control urinary incontinence for most sufferers. More difficult cases can now be helped by a "bladder pacemaker," which works much like a heart pacemaker.
Friday, February 28, 2003
Alcohol Hits Teen Brains Hard
A new national report confirms many earlier findings about the health consequences of teenage drinking. Neuroscientists and other researchers are especially concerned about alcohol's possible long-term impact on the brains of young drinkers.
Monday, February 28, 2005
March
Know the Facts About PSA Blood Testing
PSA screening is a blood test commonly done to help detect prostate cancer.
Friday, March 7, 2003
Include Exercise in Your Diet Plan
March is National Nutrition Month, a good time to develop an eating plan for better health and weight control. An expert says physical activity should always be part of any diet program if we want to lose – and keep off – extra pounds.
Friday, March 14, 2003
Predicting the Risk of Heart Attack
Elevated levels of the blood protein CRP can be an indicator of future heart problems. But one expert says standard tests already provide an accurate assessment of risk, and theres no need to add CRP to our current set of diagnostic tests
Friday, March 21, 2003
Helping Kids Cope with War
Many children are experiencing symptoms of fear and anxiety as the U.S. fights the war in Iraq.
Friday, March 28, 2003
April
Alcohol and Sleep May Not Be a Healthy Mix
For many folks, a nightcap is part of their ritual before retiring for the evening. But an expert says consuming alcohol too close to bedtime may interfere with peaceful slumber and could lead to chronic sleep problems.
Friday, April 4, 2003
SARS Information Resources for Travelers
Public health officials worldwide are trying to combat the spread of the new disease SARS.
Friday, April 11, 2003
Positive Outlook Linked to Longer Life in Heart Patients
A long-term study compared survival rates for heart patients based on their positive and negative emotions and outlooks. Patients reporting more positive emotions and fewer negative ones had a significant reduction in the risk of death.
Friday, April 18, 2003
Know Your Risk of Diabetes
Diabetes continues to be a growing health problem in the United States. It's important to know the risk factors for developing this disorder, as well as common warning signs that could indicate you have diabetes.
Friday, April 25, 2003
May
Start Early To Prevent Osteoporosis
May is National Osteoporosis Awareness and Prevention Month, a good time to learn how Americans – especially women – can reduce their risk for developing this serious health condition. One key is to start exercising at a young age.
Friday, May 2, 2003
Stopping Migraine
A recent study found that migraine sufferers who used an electronic diary to record their advance warning signs could accurately predict when a headache is coming.
Friday, May 9, 2003
Act Quickly to Limit Stroke Damage
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability. Learning to recognize the warning signs of a stroke and getting help as quickly as possible can help prevent potential brain damage.
Friday, May 16, 2003
Science Making Progress Against "Silent" Virus
Hepatitis C, a slow-progressing but deadly virus, is the most common blood-borne infection in America. During National Hepatitis Awareness Month, we learn about advances in treatment of a virus that infects millions worldwide.
Friday, May 23, 2003
Depression Isn't Just a Grown-up Problem
Depression affects a growing number of children and teenagers. An expert advises parents and teachers on how to recognize warning signs and describes the treatments most commonly used to treat depression in kids . . .
Friday, May 30, 2003
June
Clinical Trials Key to Winning Battle vs. HIV/AIDS
Much of the progress in the fight against HIV/AIDS has come through new therapies tested in clinical trials. To maintain this progress, continuing participation in trials will be vital . . .
Friday, June 6, 2003
New Efforts to Control High Blood Pressure
New Efforts to Control High Blood Pressure
Friday, June 13, 2003
New Baseball Gear Keeps Kids Safer
New Baseball Gear Keeps Kids Safer.
Friday, June 20, 2003
July
Mole Monitoring Can Detect Early Melanoma
Mole Monitoring Can Detect Early Melanoma.
Monday, July 7, 2003
Three Simple Steps to Sun Safety
Three Simple Steps to Sun Safety
Friday, July 11, 2003
Start Checking Cholesterol Early
Elevated cholesterol is a big risk factor for stroke and heart disease. With the rise in childhood obesity and related health issues, an expert says we can begin cholesterol screening much earlier to help manage this potentially dangerous condition.
Friday, July 18, 2003
Applying Sport Psychology to Life
A new book by a Duke sports psychologist and brain researcher examines how athletes achieve peak performance, popularly known as being "in the zone." He says we can all learn to harness these same techniques to help achieve our full potential in life.
Monday, July 28, 2003
August
Seabiscuit Author Overcame Debilitating Condition
Half a million people in the U.S., including the author of the best-selling book about the racehorse Seabiscuit, suffer from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.
Friday, August 1, 2003
Exercise Benefits Women During and After Menopause
Menopause brings with it a wide range of changes to a woman's body. One of the most effective ways for menopausal and post-menopausal women to manage these changes is by following a program of regular exercise.
Friday, August 8, 2003
African-Americans Face Greater Glaucoma Risk
Glaucoma is the leading cause of blindness in African-Americans, striking this group much earlier and progressing faster than in the rest of the population. An expert says an annual exam should therefore be a priority for all African-Americans over age 40.
Friday, August 15, 2003
Avoiding the 'Freshman 15'
Weight gain is a problem for many college freshmen. An expert identifies some of the common reasons why some students tend to put on the so-called "Freshman 15" and offers some practical ways to avoid adding excess poundage.
Friday, August 22, 2003
Back Packs and Back Pains
A backpack can be one of your child's most useful tools for school. But many kids carry too much weight in their packs, which can lead to back pain and even to serious spinal problems.
Friday, August 29, 2003
September
Low-dose HRT Could Cut Women's Health Risk
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can build bone strength in women. But HRT is linked to increased risk of heart disease and breast cancer. A small-scale study suggests that using a lower dose and different type of hormone may reduce those health risks.
Friday, September 5, 2003
Long-distance Care Can Help Elderly
Adult children who live at a distance can still help parents who are in a long-term care setting. A geriatric medicine expert offers some practical tips for families and facilities to work together to improve life for the elderly.
Friday, September 12, 2003
Heart Attacks Aren't Just For Men
Warning signs for heart attacks in women are often different from the "classic" symptoms for men. An expert describes common symptoms and explains why women's heart attacks are under-reported and frequently misdiagnosed.
Friday, September 26, 2003
October
Living With Diabetes
If you've been diagnosed with diabetes, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can make a big difference in managing the disease. An expert offers some practical tips to help avoid many of the health problems associated with diabetes.
Friday, October 3, 2003
Teens May Face More Nicotine Risk
The younger smokers are when they take up the habit, the more likely they are to develop an addiction to nicotine and the more difficulty they will have quitting. An expert explains some of the special problems tobacco presents for young smokers.
Friday, October 10, 2003
Taking Flu Season Seriously
Despite several years of mild flu seasons, complications from flu still kill more than 30,000 people a year and hospitalize many more. This year, supplies of vaccine are adequate and health officials are encouraging more people to get vaccinated.
Friday, October 17, 2003
'Scare' Tactics for Parents
As Halloween nears, children are seeing more and more images of supernatural creatures. For some small children, this can be troubling and may lead to fear and nightmares. An expert has advice for parents to help calm little ones' fears at Halloween time.
Friday, October 24, 2003
Alcohol a Two-edged Sword for Teens
The adolescent brain is more sensitive to alcohol's effects on many mental functions than the adult brain, but less sensitive to alcohol's sedative effects. So teens are more likely to continue drinking and to engage in potentially dangerous activities.
Friday, October 31, 2003
November
Pharmacists Play Key Role in Patient Safety
Recent studies have shown that the addition of a pharmacist to the hospital rounds team can reduce medication errors among patients by as much as 75 percent. An expert discusses the changing role of pharmacists in today's health care environment.
Friday, November 7, 2003
The Life-saving Gift of Bone Marrow
November is National Marrow Awareness Month. A Duke expert encourages people to join the national marrow donor registry to help treat patients with life-threatening disease
Friday, November 14, 2003
Diet Decisions for Turkey Day
Big holiday meals can signal the start of winter weight gain. An expert says a little strategic planning can help prevent overindulgence without spoiling the celebration.
Thursday, November 20, 2003
Toddlers' Baby Fat a Serious Problem
French fries and soft drinks are routinely given to some children as young as two years of age. An expert looks at the alarming increase in early childhood obesity and offers tips for parents.
Friday, November 28, 2003
December
Battle Holiday Bulge and Stress with Workday Workouts
Give yourself a healthy gift this holiday season. Start a workday workout program with a friend or co-worker. It's a great way to reduce stress and manage your weight.
Friday, December 5, 2003
Flu Season Hitting Harder Than Expected
Because of an unforeseen strain of influenza and greater-than-anticipated demand for vaccine, flu shots are becoming unavailable in some parts of the U.S. An expert recommends steps to help deal with the situation....
Friday, December 12, 2003
Healthier Holiday Pit Stops
Americans are hitting the road to visit family and friends for the holidays. Healthy food choices in highway convenience stores are often limited, but a Duke nutrition expert tells how to make the best of the situation.
Friday, December 19, 2003
Holidays, Flu Reduce Blood Donor Pool
This is the time of year when blood donations are especially needed, and the severe flu season has reduced the usual pool of donors. Your gift of blood is the most generous gift of all. . .
Monday, December 29, 2003